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OPINION

Your Mail 7-4: Same sex marriage

As Attorney General, Buddy Caldwell is sworn to uphold laws as rendered by the courts and is sworn to treat everyone equally, without prejudice of any kind. He should know better than to impose his personal feelings and morals when dealing with issues he adamantly opposes.

Such was the case of his exerting his authority when he instructed Louisiana's clerks of courts not to begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples immediately after the Supreme Court announced its decision that states cannot deny same-sex couples their right to marry. Caldwell's order clearly let it be known he did not agree with that ruling and that he, being the conservative that he is, is still holding true that traditional marriage is between a man and a woman.

How dare he think his power and authority supersedes the power and authority of the highest court in this country? Didn't he learn in law school that no other government entity can interfere with the workings of the Supreme Court and their rulings can't be overturned by other courts or states Attorney Generals? Either he forgot that part or he just chose to ignore the fundamentals of the law due to his arrogance.

I applaud the U.S. Supreme Court decision on same-sex marriage, as it was the right thing to do, and it speaks volumes to these words — "with liberty and justice for all" — included in the Pledge of Allegiance.

To those same-sex couples residing in Central Louisiana who are celebrating this wonderful news and who have been waiting to get married, congratulations on your victory for marriage equality and best wishes to you upon your "tying of the knot."

Leonard Ford, Jr.

Alexandria

Hooter commended

I am writing to commend Robin Hooter, Rapides Parish Clerk of Court, for her leadership, professionalism, integrity, and respect for both the American judicial system, the authority vested in the Supreme Court, and her recognition of the dignity of so many of our neighbors, friends, and same-sex spouses.

Because of Ms. Hooter's clear-eyed, apolitical, and professional approach and her respect for the fine institutions and the enduring promise of American democracy, many of our most loving and deeply committed couples will finally have their relationships acknowledged as marriages,

Ms. Hooter should be commended for her courage, her compassion, and fundamental decency. In a small but profound way, she has decided it is more important to save families and celebrate love than to judge someone based on one's narrowly-held religious views. Because of Ms. Hooter, lives won't merely be transformed; they will be saved.

On behalf of hundreds of other heterosexual allies like myself, as a founding member of the New Leader's Council, and as a lifelong resident of Alexandria and a graduate of Alexandria Senior High, thank you for doing the right thing and fighting the good fight.